6-Day Japan Botanical Gardens, Landscaping, and Waterbodies Tour

Day 1: Tokyo Gardens Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market, a vibrant spot filled with local delicacies. Open daily from 7:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Visit this expansive garden known for its beautiful landscaping combining Japanese traditional, English, and French styles. The garden is famous for its seasonal flowers and tranquil waterbodies. Open 9:00am-4:30pm, closed Mondays.
JPY500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Garden Lounge, Imperial Hotel

Enjoy refined Japanese-Western fusion cuisine in a serene garden setting within the hotel, creating a peaceful dining experience.
JPY3000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Koishikawa Botanical Garden

Discover one of Tokyo’s oldest botanical gardens with diverse plant species and beautifully landscaped areas including ponds and water features. Open 9:00am-4:30pm, closed Mondays.
JPY300, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Rikugien Garden

Experience a classic Edo-period Japanese landscape garden famed for its strolling paths around ponds and meticulous horticultural artistry. Open 9:00am-5:00pm, closed December 29-31.
JPY300, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Nihonryori RyuGin

Dine at this renowned Michelin 3-star restaurant offering innovative kaiseki cuisine inspired by natural seasonal ingredients and elegant presentation akin to garden aesthetics.
JPY30000, 2h
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Day 2: Hakone Nature and Waterbodies

Hakone, Japan on May 11, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Hakone

Take the Romancecar train from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto, enjoying scenic mountain views. Duration around 1.5 hours.
JPY2000, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy fresh baked pastries and coffee overlooking Lake Ashi, perfect to start your exploration day.
JPY1200, 1h

10:30am

Hakone Gora Park

Visit this French-style landscape park featuring flower gardens, ponds, fountains, and a greenhouse. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Itoh Dining by Nobu

Savor modern Japanese dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients in a sophisticated setting.
JPY3500, 1h

1:30pm

Lake Ashi Cruise

Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ashi with majestic views of Mt. Fuji and surrounding landscaped gardens at the shores. Cruises run 9:00am-4:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

3:00pm

Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands

Discover rare and native wetland plants amidst tranquil natural surroundings. Open 9:00am-4:00pm, closed Wednesdays.
JPY450, 1h30m

5:00pm

Check in to ryokan with Onsen

Relax at a traditional inn featuring hot spring baths surrounded by manicured gardens and water features.
JPY20000, Relax

7:30pm

Kaiseki Dinner at the Ryokan

Experience a seasonal multi-course dinner highlighting local produce and exquisite plating resembling a natural landscape.
Included, 2h
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Day 3: Kyoto Traditional Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen from Odawara Station to Kyoto for a 2-hour journey, arriving fresh for the day.
JPY14000, 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon Kyoto

Enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast set with green tea in a relaxing modern café setting.
JPY1500, 1h

10:30am

Visit Koko-en Garden

Explore this beautiful reconstructed Edo-period garden with nine different landscaped sections including ponds and water features. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY300, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Okariba

Try traditional Kyoto cuisine focusing on seasonal ingredients in a rustic, garden-like setting.
JPY2500, 1h

1:30pm

Stroll the Philosopher's Path

Enjoy a peaceful walk along this cherry tree-lined canal path featuring landscaped gardens and small temples alongside water bodies.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit the Katsura Imperial Villa Gardens

Tour the exquisite landscaped gardens of this historic villa showcasing classical Japanese gardening artistry. Advance booking required. Open 9:00am-4:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Experience elegant kaiseki dining in the Gion district with dishes inspired by seasonal Kyoto garden flora.
JPY12000, 2h
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Day 4: Osaka Urban Nature

Osaka, Japan on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Osaka

Take a quick train ride from Kyoto to Osaka (15 minutes), arriving to explore urban and waterfront gardens.
JPY560, 30m

8:30am

Breakfast at Brioche Dorée

Start your day with French-Japanese bakery treats in busy Namba district.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Osaka Castle Park and Nishinomaru Garden

Explore the historic castle grounds which boast a large park and the Nishinomaru Garden famous for seasonal flowers and views over the moat waterbody. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Takoyaki museum

Sample Osaka’s famous street food – takoyaki – in a lively food court environment.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Nakanoshima Park

Visit this riverside park known for its elegant landscaping and water features in the center of the city.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Relax at the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan garden areas

Enjoy the aquarium’s surrounding landscaped gardens and outdoor spaces near Osaka Bay. Aquarium open 10:00am-8:00pm.
JPY2400, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kani Doraku Dotonbori

Experience dining on fresh seafood specialties, including crab, right at the iconic Dotonbori canal area.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 5: Hiroshima Peace and Nature

Hiroshima, Japan on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima, a 1.5-hour journey.
JPY15000, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Mont Blanc Coffee

Enjoy a quiet breakfast with coffee and baked goods near the city center.
JPY1200, 1h

10:30am

Visit Shukkeien Garden

Explore this historic Japanese garden designed to replicate natural landscapes with ponds, bridges, and teahouses. Open 9:00am-6:00pm.
JPY260, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Taste Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki (savory pancake) at this multi-floor food theme park.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and pond area

Walk through beautifully landscaped grounds with waterbodies dedicated to peace remembrance.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Relax by the Motoyasu River

Enjoy the serene riverside gardens and sculptures showcasing Hiroshima’s commitment to nature and restoration.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Hassho

Enjoy traditional Hiroshima-style cuisine with fresh local ingredients in a welcoming atmosphere.
JPY3500, 2h
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Day 6: Osaka Departure Day

Osaka, Japan on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Travel back to Osaka

Return via Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Osaka for your departure preparations.
JPY15000, 1h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Lilo Coffee Roasters

Relax and enjoy excellent coffee and light breakfast options before your flight.
JPY1000, 1h

11:30am

Visit Expo '70 Commemorative Park

If time permits, explore this expansive park with beautifully maintained gardens, ponds, and landscapes from the 1970 World Expo site. Open 9:30am-5:00pm.
JPY260, 2h

2:00pm

Head to Kansai International Airport

Depart for your international flight home.
Transport cost varies, 2h
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